We performed a review of 115 computed tomography guided biopsies of the pancreas done over a 4‑year period to evaluate our experience with the trans lumbar approach to primary pancreatic masses.
The accuracy rate was statistically similar for the transabdominal (87%) and the trans lumbar (90%) approaches. Fewer complications were noted with the trans lumbar approach (0%) than with the transabdominal approach (5%). Overall, we believe that patients experienced less pain with the trans lumbar approach than with the transabdominal approach.
The trans lumbar approach to pancreatic biopsy is a reasonable alternative to the standard transabdominal approach.
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